The Deeper Life Bible Church has strongly criticized what it describes as the unjust demolition of several of its buildings across Lagos State by government agencies. The church expressed outrage over what it perceives to be targeted actions carried out without due legal process or prior consultation.
In a statement released on Thursday by its legal representatives, Nojim Tairu & Co., the church claimed that its branches in Yaba, Olorunishola, and Lawanson were demolished by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and the Surulere Local Government, respectively.
The statement from the church accused government agencies of systemic harassment and abuse of power. According to Deeper Life Bible Church, the demolitions represent a dangerous trend that threatens religious freedom, undermines the right to property, and breaches established democratic principles.
“Deeper Life Bible Church, a longstanding pillar of faith and community service with a strong presence in Lagos and beyond, strongly condemns the unjust and unwarranted actions by Lagos State Government agencies,” the statement read.
The church added that in recent months, its branches had experienced “an alarming pattern of hostility,” including demolition threats, harassment by state officials, and other administrative barriers placed on its religious and humanitarian activities.
Church Warns of Threat to Religious Freedom and Community Stability
The Deeper Life Bible Church emphasized that its mission goes beyond worship, including vital community service such as education, humanitarian outreach, and social empowerment. The recent actions, the church stated, threaten to disrupt not only spiritual services but also the livelihoods and social networks of thousands who rely on its programs.
“These aggressive acts are a violation of the fundamental rights of our faith community. If left unaddressed, they could set a precedent that endangers the freedom of religious expression and association in Lagos State,” the statement added.
Calling on Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the church urged an urgent investigation into what it has called a pattern of religious and institutional oppression. Deeper Life Bible Church reiterated its long-standing record of peaceful coexistence and adherence to Nigerian law.
“We have always upheld the laws of the land and promoted peace, unity, and interfaith dialogue. It is disheartening to witness our places of worship being reduced to rubble without due regard for legal and human rights procedures,” the statement noted.
The Deeper Life Bible Church is also calling upon citizens, religious organizations, human rights advocates, and the international community to stand in solidarity with them during what it describes as a critical period in its history.
“As it dedicated to uplifting society, we refuse to be intimidated or silenced. We will explore all legal avenues to protect our property and defend the rights of our members,” the statement declared.
The church concluded by reaffirming its commitment to spiritual growth, peace-building, and community development, stating that these unjust demolitions would not deter it from its mission.
In response to the allegations, Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, denied any official hostility toward the church. He stated that the government of Lagos under Governor Sanwo-Olu has always maintained good relations with Deeper Life Bible Church and emphasized that any demolition by LAMATA would have included compensation if related to rail development.
“The government of Lagos State, under Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has nothing against Deeper Life. They are our friends, and we cannot act against their interests,” Omotoso said.
He acknowledged that one of the demolished properties may have been handled by a local government, noting that the incident is currently under investigation.
Omotoso confirmed that the issue has been escalated to the Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Matters (Christian), who has since opened a dialogue with representatives of it.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu has always governed without discrimination. This situation is unfortunate, but it is being thoroughly looked into,” he concluded.
As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders across the religious and civil rights landscape will be closely watching how the situation is handled, given its implications for religious institutions and the broader question of equitable treatment under the law.
Source- Punch
